Saturday, December 10, 2016

4 Healthy Appetizer Recipes for the Figure-Conscious

Even those aiming for weight loss can have a complete meal from appetizer to dessert. Appetizers are an important part of the meal as they help stimulate the appetite. No need to count calories, just make sure that you are eating healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Cheese and Spinach Bites

What you need:

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cups dry bread stuffing mix

1 1/4 cups frozen chopped spinach

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons melted butter

Combine eggs, onion, bread stuffing mix, spinach, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese and melted butter in a large bowl. When ingredients are well-mixed, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. When ready, drop by spoonfuls a large baking sheet and refrigerate again for 1 hour. Thaw for 30 minutes then bake in a pre-heated oven (350 degrees F) until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Savory Eggplant Appetizer

What you need:

5 small eggplants, peeled and cubed

5 tomatoes, chopped

5 onions, chopped

5 bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon salt

Place eggplant, tomato, onion and bell pepper in a pot. Combine water, oil, vinegar and salt in a bowl then pour over vegetables. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes over medium heat. Serve warm with bread.

Beer-Battered Vegetable Fritters

What you need:

6 mushrooms, stems removed

1 carrot, slice into thick strips

1 onion, sliced into rings

1 bell pepper, sliced into rings

2 eggs

2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups beer

1 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and beer in a large bowl. Stir until well-mixed then let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Mix together eggs and milk in a bowl. Combine remaining flour, salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip each vegetable in the egg mixture, then in the flour mixture then finally in the beer mixture. Heat oil over high heat and deep fry vegetables until golden brown.

Beet Your Hunger

What you need:

2 large beets, cooked, peeled and sliced into 1/3-inch pieces

1/2 cup tarragon vinegar

1/2 cup feta cheese

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or cashew

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Marinate beets in tarragon vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes. Reserve vinegar. When ready, place some beet slices in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with feta cheese and walnuts then drizzle with reserved vinegar and lemon juice. Top with beet slices and repeat process until all beet slices are stacked. Cook on medium high in a microwave for 1 minute.

Snack on these nutritious yet delicious appetizer recipes while waiting for the main course to be cooked!